Harford County nonprofit partners with local vendors to benefit families with children experiencing homelessness

Harford Family
House is hosting its second annual Boots & Bowties event on Friday,
September 7, 2018 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Falling Branch Brewery (825 Highland
Road in Street). Presented by Harford Financial Group, more than 200
guests are expected at this one-of-a-kind event at the brewery for a casually
elegant evening of craft beer, wine and a bourbon bar, with delectable Tex-Mex
fare provided by Harford County staples Pairings Bistro and Laurrapin Catering
and dessert by Hawks Hill Creamery.

Guests are
invited to enjoy craft beer for a good cause in the Falling Branch taproom, a
refurbished 1800’s barn and accompanying beer garden, for live music by 19th Street Band, dancing,
cornhole and warming their boots by the outdoor fire pit to raise funds and
awareness for Harford County’s families with children experiencing
homelessness.

For many
living paycheck to paycheck, all it takes is the loss of a job or suffering an
injury to be forced onto the street. Harford Family House works to provide hope
and homes to families experiencing homelessness – the only organization in the
region able to keep the entire family unit together. Many people may not
realize homelessness exists in Harford County, but the nonprofit says more than
150 families in the County are currently without a home and are on the
organization’s waiting list. The organization also provides crucial education
and case management to families, so they can work toward long-term
independence.; to-date, the nonprofit has helped more than 600 families since
its inception in 1989.

“Boots &
Bowties is just one way we’re working to end the stereotypes about homelessness
in Harford County,” says Robin Tomechko, CEO of Harford Family House. “This
event is a wonderful partnership showcasing some of Harford County’s favorite
local businesses and an exceptional opportunity to take in the beautiful
scenery that Falling Branch Brewery has to offer.”

Boots &
Bowties aims to raise $25,000 – the cost of providing support services for one
family. These funds will put the nonprofit one family closer to meeting its
goal of serving 30 families by their 30-year anniversary in 2019.

Individual tickets for the event are $85 per person and include unlimited craft beer, bourbon, wine and food. VIP tickets are also available for $100 per person, which includes a private, guided craft beer and chocolate pairing experience from 6-6:30 p.m., preferred parking and reserved seating. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To purchase tickets, or learn more about available sponsorships, visit www.harfordfamilyhouse.org.

Harford Family House is the largest provider of transitional housing for homeless families with children in Harford County. Other programs include HUD Supportive Housing for homeless families where one family member has a disability, Wheels for Work, providing transportation to and from work while helping families work toward car ownership, and Ready by 21, a program to support unaccompanied young adults ages 18-21 who are involved with the foster care system. Clients are provided with a fully furnished apartment or house and receive case management services and referrals to partner agencies to move them from homelessness and despair to hope and independence.